Set up ProtonVPN IKEv2 Connection on Linux

Tutorial: Setting up ProtonVPN IKEv2 Connection on Linux

Prerequisites:

• Linux machine running Mint 18.3 Sylvia

Steps:

1. Install Necessary Packages:

   • Open the terminal using Ctrl + T.
   • Enter the following commands to install the required packages:

     sudo apt-get install strongswan
     sudo apt-get install libstrongswan-extra-plugins
     

   • Enter your root password when prompted to allow installation.

2. Download ProtonVPN Certificate:

   • Download the ProtonVPN certificate from protonvpn.com.
   • Place the certificate in the appropriate directory using the following command:

     sudo mv /tmp/protonvpn_root.pem /etc/ipsec.d/cacerts/
     

3. Configure IKEv2 Connection:

   • Open the ipsec.conf file with a text editor (e.g., nano) using the command:

     sudo nano /etc/ipsec.conf
     

   • Delete the existing text up to "add connections here" and replace it with the provided configuration parameters.
   • Save the file by pressing Ctrl + X, then Y to confirm, and finally press Enter.

4. Add Credentials:

   • Open the ipsec.secrets file with a text editor using the command:

     sudo nano /etc/ipsec.secrets
     

   • Enter the following text in the file:

     your_username : EAP "your_password"
     

   • Replace your_username with your ProtonVPN IKEv2 username and your_password with your corresponding password.
   • Save the file by pressing Ctrl + X, then Y to confirm, and finally press Enter.

5. Restart IPsec Service:

   • Restart the IPsec service by running the command:

     sudo ipsec restart
     

6. Connect to ProtonVPN Server:

   • To connect to the VPN server, use the command:

     sudo ipsec up your_connection_name
     

   • Replace your_connection_name with the name you provided in the ipsec.conf file.
   • If the connection is successful, you should see a confirmation message.

7. Disconnect from the Server:

   • To terminate the connection, use the command:

     sudo ipsec down your_connection_name
     

   • Replace your_connection_name with the name of your connection.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up a ProtonVPN IKEv2 connection on your Linux machine.